About Shipshape:

Shipshape Boatbuilding & Woodwork is a small, Bristol-based business run by Anthony Mace. I provide mobile repairs, restoration work and bespoke commissions.

Trained boatbuilder, experienced designer

I originally studied Product & Furniture Design, before going on to complete an MA at the Royal College of Art.

After 12 years working as a designer and teaching design at degree level, I re-trained as a boatbuilder on the Dorset coast, learning traditional and modern boatbuilding, restoration and joinery.

I love bringing all these strands of experience together to create beautiful, lasting pieces with a practical use.

A quality, personal service

I like to work closely with clients, assisting in design if required (or working to your chosen design) and offering choice and advice throughout, to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the end result.

I deliberately keep overheads low, so I can place more of your budget on good materials and craftsmanship.

How I work:

I welcome large or small commissions, whether they’re simple, challenging or unusual! Each project is different, but they usually follow some or all of these steps:

1.

Initial discussion and brief:

We discuss your project, so I can understand any questions and ideas you have and what you want to achieve.

I might ask for an approximate budget and can provide a no-obligation quote.

2.

Design (and refine):

Throughout the project I’ll work closely with you, assisting in design if required and offering choice and advice throughout the process.

Depending on your needs, I can also provide detailed drawings prior to any work being carried out.

3.

Making and finishing:

Based on the type and scale of your project I work in 2 ways:

Either I’ll come to you to undertake all the work,

Or I’ll visit to do any pattern-making and measuring, before fabricating your project in the workshop and returning to fit and finish.